Two major healthcare providers in the Lubbock area have formed a health information exchange.

Covenant Health and University Medical Center Health System have come together as the initial partners to form a Health Information Exchange called the Llano Estacado Access Partners, or LEAP.

According to a press release, HIEs make patient health information available to physicians and care providers through a confidential, secured electronic system regardless of treatment location.

The groups say that with consent from the patient, the HIE will allow Covenant and UMC to share health information electronically for treatment.

Some benefits of the system can include better access to health information during disasters, better access for ER staff, and the ability to eliminate duplicate medical tests.

“This safe and secure exchange will help physicians deliver higher quality and more efficient care to their patients while maintaining privacy and confidentiality,” said Bill Eubanks, UMC CIO and senior vice president.

They state that LEAP participation will eventually expand beyond Covenant and UMC to other health care organizations within the surrounding community.

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